October 6, 1999 Web posted at: 10:13 a.m. EDT (1413 GMT) by Terho Uimonen

From...

(IDG) -- Red Hat this week released the latest version of its flavor of the open-source Linux operating system.

Version 6.1 of Red Hat Linux features a slicker graphical installation interface, online access to updates and improved system management capabilities, the company says.

Other features released in the software suite accompanying Red Hat Linux 6.1 include Sun's Star Office 5.1a productivity application suite and full Lightweight Directory Access Protocol integration, letting network administrators manage distributed computing by authenticating and maintaining information about users and network services, the company says.

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In addition, Red Hat in the U.S. and Canada also includes 128-bit secure signature technology, with Red Hat public-key verification of the source of Red Hat Linux 6.1 updates.

But isn't Linux free? Yes, Linux is free. But companies like Red Hat and Caldera package Linux along with commercial software and manuals and charge consumers for the boxed product, for a price typically much less than a full version of Windows 95 or 98. This is commonly referred to as a Linux distribution. The companies also offer product support - improtent to an operating system as foreign to most users as Linux. Users can still download a free full version of Linux, such as Debian, and learn about OS on one of the many hlepful sites on the Web.

The Official Red Hat Linux 6.1 is available in a variety of packages, with all boxed packages including an Installation manual and reference guide, the company says. Red Hat Linux 6.1 can also be downloaded from http://ftp.redhat.com.

The boxed versions can be purchased in some retail outlets starting Oct. 18.

Pricing starts at $29.95 for a Standard package including two operating system CDs, one StarOffice 5.1a CD, 90 days of e-mail support and 30 days of priority online access.

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The $79.95 Deluxe package comes with two operating system CDs, one StarOffice 5.1a CD, two workstation application CDs, 30 days of phone support, 90 days of e-mail support and 180 days of priority online access.

At the top end, the Professional package is priced at $149.95. It is available in the U.S. and Canada only, Red Hat says.